What ipad should I buy for an 8 year old ?

[iMore Question]

I have been looking at ipad Air 16 gb. Is this a good choice?

 

[Just_Me_D]

If it were me, I'd get him or her an iPad Mini. It might arguably be easier to handle.

 

[iDrizzy01]

Ipad mini 4

 

[Sherry_B]

I agree with the others. iPad Mini.

 

[parker5011]

I have been looking at ipad Air 16 gb. Is this a good choice?

My 8yr old used an iPad 2 with an otterbox case on it and loved it so the air would be what I suggest. I'm gonna have to upgrade soon ( the 2 is too slow) so I'll be looking at the air.

 

[Honey Beagle]

None. I never had anything like an iPad when I was 8 years old and did fine without one.

 

[johndill17]

I'd recommend the iPad mini 2. The smaller form factor would be good for a child. The mini 2 still has a lot of life left in it and has come down in price.

 

[Rob Phillips]

None. I never had anything like an iPad when I was 8 years old and did fine without one.

Times have changed.

 

[Damien_Eternal]

My 8 year old would never get an iPad or anything else of the sort. Too much risk of it being ruined. Plus they need to be outside playing with other kids, not focused on tech.

 

[Highrisedrifter]

Get him a second hand iPad Mini variant and then a heavy duty case for it for when he inevitably accidentally drops it.

 

[Rob Phillips]

My 8 year old would never get an iPad or anything else of the sort. Too much risk of it being ruined. Plus they need to be outside playing with other kids, not focused on tech.

As a parent you have the right to make that decision. Do you let him watch TV? I'd rather my 6 year old be interacting with an educational iPad app (which is all he has on there, and we limit the time he can spend on it daily) than staring at the television. That's just me though.

Get him a second hand iPad Mini variant and then a heavy duty case for it for when he inevitably accidentally drops it.

Exactly what we did. He has one of those super thick foam-type cases on it. Works great.

 

[qbnkelt]

None. I never had anything like an iPad when I was 8 years old and did fine without one.

My grandfather never had a car in college. Yet I had one.

We're in 2016. Check the calendar.

 

[Rob Phillips]

My grandfather never had a car in college. Yet I had one.

We're in 2016. Check the calendar.

My sentiments exactly.

I just realized two-year old recognizes every number from 0 to 9. We never taught him that. Then I remembered he's been messing around with a numbers app on his iPad (well, my old iPad that he has claimed as his own). Not to say it should replace being taught by his mother and I but we hadn't yet started working on number recognition with him.

 

[RobertP1]

None. I never had anything like an iPad when I was 8 years old and did fine without one.

I assume you have a rotary phone as well? I did growing up and did fine with it..... Please join this century. IPads are assigned at many schools today! They are a key educational tool. IPad 4 mini is perfect, unless you may buy a used older one and save some money and angst when the kid breaks it!

 

[qbnkelt]

It might be a little low on storage. an 8 year old is on the cusp of becoming a preteen....aside rom educatioinal games, it might be a little restrictive once there is increased interestin music, favourite movies, TV shows, books, etc.
Also, I'd go with the Air since it needs to grow with the child. I think for educational purposes, the larger model might be more suited.
I'd go a bit larger, if it's possible.

 

[qbnkelt]

My 8 year old would never get an iPad or anything else of the sort. Too much risk of it being ruined. Plus they need to be outside playing with other kids, not focused on tech.

A lot, if not most, school systems use tech.

http://www.ipadsinprimary.co.uk/
http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-...ar/06/ipad-ipod-technology-primary-curriculum
http://www.computer.org/csdl/proceedings/hicss/2012/4525/00/4525a078.pdf

Our society has made a familiarity with tech to be a needful thing. While kids need physical activity to remain fit and to burn of excess energy, I would rather they spend quiet time on educational games than watching some inane TV programme.

 

[dejanh]

A lot, if not most, school systems use tech.

http://www.ipadsinprimary.co.uk/
http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-...ar/06/ipad-ipod-technology-primary-curriculum
http://www.computer.org/csdl/proceedings/hicss/2012/4525/00/4525a078.pdf

Our society has made a familiarity with tech to be a needful thing. While kids need physical activity to remain fit and to burn of excess energy, I would rather they spend quiet time on educational games than watching some inane TV programme.

It might be a little low on storage. an 8 year old is on the cusp of becoming a preteen....aside rom educatioinal games, it might be a little restrictive once there is increased interestin music, favourite movies, TV shows, books, etc.
Also, I'd go with the Air since it needs to grow with the child. I think for educational purposes, the larger model might be more suited.
I'd go a bit larger, if it's possible.

Isn't this a bit contradictory?

 

[Sherry_B]

Isn't this a bit contradictory?

Depends on how you look at it. Everyone is different, but I do not see it as contradictory.

 

[qbnkelt]

Isn't this a bit contradictory?

Not in the least. I spoke of a child growing. It is natural that as a child goes into teens there is increased interest in media. Playtime with friends gives way to organised school team sports and also increased interest in music, films, TV shows.
Which is why a larger storage would be better, to keep up with the developing child. An 8 year old won't consume media. A ten year old will begin.
The inane TV programme I spoke of would be those Saturday morning kids shows. Those are useless.

 

[pkcable]

Whichever you get I would for sure get a good case for it like the Otterbox someone mentioned as kids can be tough on devices.

iPad mini Cases - iMore Store